Congratulations to ESPN The Magazine, surviving (and thriving) for 10 years.  Lots of special packages are being planned for the 3/24 issue (on stands 3/12).

Editorially, the magazine will be divided into two major sections — “First Half and Second Half”.  First half will commemorate the past ten years of sports: the icons, the top stories, and trends.  The second half will cover the next ten years: the next superstars, previews of stories, and trends.  The two halves will be separated by “Half Time” which might be a gatefold photo spread.  Right now, Chuck Klosterman and Dave Eggers are slated to write for the issue, though that may change based on availability.  There will be 10 commemorative covers (five front, five back) featuring the world’s iconic athletes.
Want to be a part of it?  Well, you’ve got plenty of opportunity.  Inside front covers and back covers; center gatefold; and, probably best of all, an online microsite where fans can vote on their favorite covers, search digital archives, watch video of the 10th Anni Issue cover shoots, and I’m sure lots more.

The only problem is that there are only three more shopping days left until the 2/22 ad close!

Ps – Year-to-date ad page numbers for ESPN The Mag and Sports Illustrated are down in the early going in 2008, according to min: SI is down 9.8% counting the Swimsuit Issue (party story here); and ESPN was down 22.5% through the 2/25 issue.